PNG student protests end in shootings, riots

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea -- Three people have been killed in Papua New Guinea after police broke up a student protest against economic reforms, according to hospital staff in the country's capital city.

The three died from gun shot wounds and 16 others were wounded after police broke up the rally Tuesday.

Police used teargas to disperse the protesters and denied involvement in the shootings.

Port Moresby University campus was surrounded by police Tuesday to keep most of the students contained after six days of demonstrations against the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

CNN sources in Port Morseby said the city centre was being subjected to arson attacks and looting in the heart of the city, with several shops razed to the ground.

Dr Chris Marjen, chief executive of the Port Moresby General Hospital, told Reuters news agency one of the dead was brought in Tuesday morning and the other two died in hospital from stomach and head wounds.

"We now have three confirmed dead from gunshots to the abdominal region and head," Marjen said.

Radio warned residents to stay at home because of the looting by street gangs taking advantage of the unrest.

With transport in the city severely disrupted, hospital staff were working with skeleton crews.

The students had presented the government with a petition outlining their stance against the IMF and World Bank and had assembled near the government house seeking a response to their petition.

Reuters contributed to this report.